Flyers Weekly Fly-By: Losing, Losing, and more Losing Part Deux

Here we go again, yesterday it was a Raptors losing rant, today it's a Flyers losing rant. This could be a LONG winter ahead.

The difference between the Flyers and the Raptors, however, is that the Flyers were supposed to be near the top of the NHL thsi year and at times in the first two months of the season, they have looked like that. But inconsistency and injuries have plagued the team and right now they are on a bad streak, having lost five of their last six. Last week was a 1-3-0 streak, the lone win coming on Long Island against the Isles and in that game the Flyers were saved by Brian Boucher and a good third period.

In the three losses, we saw poor defense and another bad performance by Ray Emery translate into a loss to the up and coming Colorado Avalanche. Then, in back to back games against Buffalo and Atlanta, we saw something we haven't seen much of this season, a lack of offense. This has me concerned, since this team has proved that in order to win games, they need to score. Scoring four goals in the last three games and being shutout by Johan Hedberg is not a good sign. Yes, the Flyers played all good teams last week, but if they want to be among the elite in the league, they must win these big games and win them consistently.

My Flyers Picks this week

After four days off, the Flyers return home for three of their four games next week with a quick trip to Montreal mixed in between. Tomorrow night they have a challenge in the Vancouver Canucks, followed by a meeting with Washington, their third of the year. They will head north of the border Monday to visit the Canadiens and then the next night their back at home against the Islanders.

It's always a tough call picking Flyers games, because a lot depends on which Flyers team shows up on a given night. In any case, none of these games are gimmes. I have a feeling the Flyers will come out strong and defeat the Canucks. Then, they will drop two to the Caps and Habs before beating the Islanders as usual.

Thurs. vs. Vancouver WIN
Sat. vs. Washington LOSS
Mon. at Montreal LOSS
Tues. vs. NY Islanders WIN

Other NHL Thoughts

I was very happy to see Alex Ovechkin suspended for his kneeing incident last week. I admit I like Ovechkin, siply because he is bar none the best player in the NHL, and he plays the game the way it should be played. However, I'm happy because it proves the NHL doesn't protect and baby the league's elite players like some people claim. This is legit guys.

Thumbs down this week to Panthers defenseman Keith Ballard for slashing his goalie, Tomas Vokoun, in the head after attmepting to slash the crossbar of the net after a goal scored by the Thrashers. Actually double thumbs down, one for bad sportsmanship, the other for missing the crossbar and hitting your goalie.

Finally, prayers go out to Maple Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson, who left a game earlier this weak after a fast heartbeat. For those who don't know, Gustavsson had minor heart surgery after a condition in training capm. Toronto GM Brian Burke says Gustavsson will be fine, let's hope that's true.


And a bonus NFL Thursday Night Pick

NY Jets 19 Buffalo 10
Something tells me that the Bills won't be able to pull out another divisional win again, especially lacking a home field advantage with the game being played in Toronto. As long as Sanchez holds on to the football, New York should win.